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Cardinal Velvet

Salvia Greggii

This cultivar of Salvia greggi behaves much the same as the species, but the flowers have a more intensely velvety look to them. The flower’s a little fuzzier which gives it a different texture and a deeper color.

This evergreen woody perennial grows to about 3′ tall and wide. It can take the full sun, but I’ve found that mine performs a bit better with some protection from the intensity of afternoon rays. It can grow in some shade as long as it gets sun part of the day.

It’s not picky about soil but does like good drainage. In heavy clay soil, do amend with compost to improve drainage.

Although it is a low water-use plant, it will definitely perform a little better if you water it once a week during the heat of the summer.

It flowers from spring right on through fall, with maybe a little break at the peak of summer heat. But once temperatures cool just a bit, the sun becomes less intense, and we get just a little bit of fall rain, ‘Cardinal Velvet’ comes roaring back to life.

It is listed as hardy to zone 8, so if we have a particularly harsh winter, you might lose this one if you can’t protect it.

All cultivars of Salvia greggii benefit from harsh pruning in late January and early February to fend off woodiness and encourage lush new growth.

Prune lighting again in May and in late August to encourage new flowers that bloom on new wood.

‘Cardinal Velvet’ looks great planted alone in an open space in your garden, but also looks fabulous when planted in masses, or as a short border around planting beds.

Recent Episodes

Thinking about homegrown tomatoes? Let’s get growing with “the tomato guy” Bill Adams, author of The Texas Tomato Lover’s Handbook. Get some of his tricks for the tastiest tomatoes in town. On tour, find out what aquaponics is all about with Rob Nash in his Austin Aquaponics greenhouse. Daphne answers: which cold hardy Satsuma should | watch episode →

From pruning to fertilizing, get the best ever spring prep tips with Robbi Will from the Antique Rose Emporium. On tour, visit Chandler Ford’s garden of two personalities: neighborhood vibrant fun in front and serene contemplation in back. Daphne answers Marc Opperman’s question: what’s this strange growth on my rose? Evergreen pineapple guava is her | watch episode →

March To Do List

Plant: ornamental & wildlife

Annuals: It’s a tricky month for annuals since we get hot days. But the soil is still cold and freezes could still arrive. Late: plant cosmos, sunflowers, morning glory, gomphrena but keep an eye on upcoming freezes. Avoid planting caladiums.

Wildflower transplants: early in month, you can still plant bluebonnet, larkspur, poppy and other transplants.